Asda and Morrisons have drastically slashed fuel prices in a move that will bring vital support to key workers and ensure they’re not reliant on public transport.

Asda said the fuel price cut brings prices down to their lowest level since May 2016

Both supermarket giants are cutting 12 pence per litre off unleaded and 8 pence per litre off diesel – the largest single cuts ever seen from any retailers.

Under Asda’s price cap, it means that drivers filling up at any of its 322 petrol stations across the country will pay no more than 102ppl on unleaded and 108.7ppl on diesel, bringing fuel prices down to their lowest since May 2016.

Asda senior fuel buyer, Dave Tyrer said: “We want to do all we can to support the nation during this time and are cutting the price of fuel give some additional support to those essential workers, such as NHS staff and key workers who are still required to make essential travel journeys to and from work.”

Morrisons has also cut its prices at all its fuel forecourts today.

Ashley Myers, head of fuel for Morrisons, said: “We are playing our full part in reducing the cost of living and feeding the nation. This reduction in fuel prices will help motorists to save money at this difficult time. It’s more than our job.”

“Such a huge cut in pump prices is very welcome. It is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy outlook,” said Luke Bosdet, the AA’s fuel price spokesman.

“We know that Asda had dropped their prices by a similar amount early this morning and this should unlock the pump price logjam.

“The key benefit of the slashed prices is in reducing costs for deliveries as online and other firms work hard to keep goods moving and consumers supplied.

“However, we urge drivers to think carefully before making unnecessary road trips that may put them in proximity of other people.”

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams also commented on the cuts, saying: “The price of oil has fallen so far – down to an 18-year low – that it was inevitable that pump prices would eventually follow suit.

“These savings will directly benefit those people who continue to rely on their vehicles for essential journeys.”

However he warned: “It is vital however that drivers heed government advice and only travel if it absolutely needed.”

Williams added warned of another ‘darker side’ to the price cuts.

“Smaller independent forecourts who will already have been struggling due to a loss of trade recently will be extremely hard-pushed to reduce their prices at the present time with fewer people driving. It’s crucial they stay in business as they provide such an important service to drivers in parts of the country where the supermarkets have no footprint.”